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Old People Names

Old people names are at the cutting edge of the vintage baby name spectrum. Still considered too fusty for mainstream use, unique old people names are being dug out and dusted down by adventurous baby namers looking for rare choices that are still rich in history.

Old people names that rank in the US Top 1000 include Alfred, Barbara, Roland, Eileen, Harold, Joyce, Maurice, and Patricia. Along with Alfred and Roland, other old people names starting to come back into style in the 2020s include Betty, Basil, Clarence, Loretta, Ned, Percy, Thora and Winifred.

Like a loud vintage sweater or a pair of granny-chic glasses, the coolest old people names make a strong retro style statement, but feel close enough to contemporary trends that they stand out for all the right reasons.

Some of these old people names seem like they’ll never feel youthful again, but who knows? Maybe your grandchildren will be called Nelda and Norman, Velma and Vernon.

Below, a selection of choices widely considered to be old people names – but possibly soon ripe for revival.

Eugene

Meaning: wellborn, noble

Origin:Greek
360
Myrna

Meaning: festive

Origin:Irish
2871
Edna

Meaning: rejuvenation, delight

Origin:Hebrew
705
Bernice

Meaning: she who brings victory

Origin:Greek
906
Selma

Meaning: godly helmet

Origin:German
1281
Eudora

Meaning: generous gift

Origin:Greek
761
Marion

Meaning: drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved

Origin:French derivative of Mary
2129
Lorene Lorene is a name of American origin and is g...
Origin:American
11181
Nelda

Meaning: one who lives by the alder tree

Origin:English
4059
Ethel

Meaning: noble maiden

Origin:English
577
Irma

Meaning: universal, complete

Origin:German, diminutive of several names, meaning "universal, complete"
1853
Cyril

Meaning: lordly

Origin:Greek
486
Enoch

Meaning: dedicated

Origin:Hebrew
404
Ransom

Meaning: shield's son

Origin:English
733
Harold

Meaning: army ruler

Origin:Scandinavian
610
Roger

Meaning: famous warrior

Origin:German
370
Melvin

Meaning: council protector

Origin:English and Scottish
1854
Maurice

Meaning: dark-skinned

Origin:English and French from Latin
1878
Alvin

Meaning: noble friend, friend of the elves

Origin:English
695
Elmer

Meaning: noble and renowned

Origin:English
1524